Jimmy is also a Disney Princess
We had an emotional day this year, and while it was tough, I wanted to share the story.
First and foremost, it's incredibly important to note that everything we did was under the direct guidance of a DNR licensed wildlife rehabilitator. This is crucial when it comes to wildlife, as improper intervention can do more harm than good.
Earlier last week, I shared a picture of a beautiful fawn. Day after day, Jimmy, my husband, noticed the fawn was still alone in the same spot. On Saturday, he went back, and the fawn got up and walked away. Of course, we left him undisturbed, knowing that mother deer often leave their fawns for a couple of days and return.
By day four, Jimmy was truly worried about the fawn. On his drive home from the gym, he saw the deer in the exact same spot. He hadn't seen him earlier, so he stopped. The fawn tried to stand but kept falling over and was clearly becoming very emaciated. Following the instructions of the licensed wildlife rehabilitator, we carefully took the deer. We were guided to get his glucose levels up and give him some formula.
We then drove an hour and a half each way to meet the rehabilitator. She immediately suspected he might have been "bumped" by a car, as the rashes on his hips indicated possible road rash. She took him back to her facility, where an IV was placed, and he was given pain medication. Sadly, he passed away a couple of hours later.
The rehabilitator had other fawns at the rescue. Once she laid him on a warm blanket and wrapped him to keep his body temperature up, another fawn came and just lay with him. While heartbroken, I am at peace knowing he passed comfortably. I honestly thought he had just been orphaned, and this experience truly highlights why wildlife should always be handed over to the proper, licensed professionals.
The process of wildlife rescue is both rewarding and heart-wrenching. Animals like fawns often seem abandoned, but they thrive in the wild with minimal intervention from humans. It's crucial to understand that orphaned or injured wildlife should be assessed by certified professionals. A common misconception is that easy access to animals might be permissible; however, untrained individuals can inadvertently cause more harm. In this case, Jimmy’s vigilance played a pivotal role in recognizing that the fawn was in trouble. Caring for a wildlife baby requires knowledge about their needs, including nourishment and habitat restoration, which often exceeds the capabilities of well-meaning citizens. When you come across a young animal in distress, it’s imperative to observe from a distance first and determine if the mother is nearby. Many mother animals leave their young for extended periods, returning for them later. If you decide to intervene, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator is essential, as they can provide the necessary medical care and guidance. The emotional toll of witnessing a wildlife rescue can be significant, but knowing you’ve acted responsibly makes a difference. In the end, respecting wildlife and supporting conservation efforts are key to preserving the beauty of nature while ensuring that its inhabitants, like fawns, get the help they need swiftly.
